Did you say harassment?
Yes.
Explain?
Why should I explain, you know all about it: innuendoes, smutty looks, naughty e-mails, accidental pushing, unsolicited disclosures, touching and last but definitely not least groping.

GROPING!?
Be fair, I have never, ever groped you or got this close to you.

Yes, but you were very close - I should count myself lucky
Don’t over-react. Just because I dropped my hand behind your skimpy t-shirt and pulled at your bra, do you call that harassment?

You have such a cheek, are you sick, or what?
I am not sick, I am a man, and like most other men, I have feelings.
Why do you dress like that, why do you appear in those … skirts, tight trousers and see through blouses?
Truly, you are trying to send me a message. It is your fault.

And have you forgotten the Christmas party?
Jesus, I was drunk, and I didn’t know what I was doing. And after all, you should leave those things in your hand bag.

You are sick, frustrated and over-sexed
I see. OK, I am all of those, and what are you?

I am a person, and I would like to treated as such.
Okay, I give up.

Your letters

Are readers dumb or naïve?
From Edward Torpiano, Floriana

Kindly allow me to pass a comment about Michael Falzon's interview entitled, "On party leaders, publicity stunts and the Planning Authority" (Malta Today, April 15, 2001), especially regarding the following words:
‘For all its faults, I think everyone would agree that the Planning Authority is preferable to the previous system of bribing the Minister to get a permit, if we are measuring in terms of democracy, transparency and accountability’
It is indeed, highly ironic to hear a former Minister/Politician hint that Ministers and/or Politicians – as a class – are the only persons open to bribery. I, for one, happen to disagree with this contention and I also, disagree with the statement that the Planning Authority is preferable to the PAPB (Planning Area Permits Board).
Therefore one can now question as to whether other sectors of (local) society, including the Planning Authority itself, are all exempt from the possibility of bribery.
Such (expressed) thoughts might unwillingly create the impression that readers/voters are dumb and naive and, due to this, one would appreciate were the interviewee to list at least one instance when the Planning Authority was called into account due to its faults.

Would-be killer roaming free
From Larry Civelli, NY USA

I would like to know why the husband who tried to kill his wife with three shotgun blasts (as happened in the case of Mrs Claire Fenech) is allowed to go out on bail.
Is it true that in Malta money talks too?
Here in the States he would have been kept imprisoned until the trial date. Instead in Malta he is given freedom and allowed to live in his house.
Who is watching him?
What prevents him from going after his wife?
They even let him get his son to visit him.
I hope they lock him up for life.

A case of sour grapes
From Valerie Borg, Valletta Councillor

With reference to "Valletta hamalli" written by correspondent N Casha from Sliema may I please point out that the first photograph showed four happy youngsters celebrating Valletta's victory on a slow moving vehicle. No one was hurt, no one was beaten and I have heard of no-one entering the Emergency Department in St Luke's Hospital because of some inflicted injury on his person.
As for the second picture portraying empty and broken bottles, many a Valletta supporter residing in other localities decided that Valletta was worth visiting on that day in question so pointing one’s finger at a Valletta resident is hardly fair considering that N. Casha himself is a Sliema dweller.
If the grandiose style of rejoicing the capital city's victory seemed vulgar, abusive, dirty and hamallu to Mr Casha, I suggest the latter should stay away when Valletta enjoys yet another victory. Otherwise, I will not help wondering if the cheap shots taken were not a case of sour grapes.
Pardon me if this seems like I am rubbing salt into a fresh wound but I just can't he1p it – Forza Valletta City.

Thank you – Emergency Dept at St Luke’s
Philip Mifsud, Fgura

On the night of 17/19 May I was urgently rushed to the Emergency Department St Luke’s Hospital. The immediate attention I received by the doctor on duty (Dr Attard) and his nursing staff was given with the greatest dedication and excellence.
Although there were other urgent cases to attend at the time and the service rendered to me was laborious there was always a smile and encouragement.
I want to convey my heartfelt thanks to each of them. Only God can give them the real reward for their dedication and support towards sick patients.